Jesus came to redeem us from the consequences of the fall – Part 27

(1) Zech 4:3-6 The olive trees symbolize a continual source of oil; the two leaders were to lead the people into a life made possible by the power of the Spirit (v12). (2) Thus the trees represent the kingly and priestly ministries of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the One Who baptizes in the Holy Spirit, and all further fillings come from Christ.

Zech4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit.” Though this message was spoken to Zerubabel, it applies to all believers (cf. 2 Tim 3:16). Military might, political power or human strength cannot accomplish the work of God; we can only do His work if we are enabled by the Holy Spirit (cf. Judge 6:34; Is 31:3). Jesus entered His ministry in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1,18), and the church was empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:4; see article on Baptism in the Holy Spirit).

Only if there is a continual flow of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power to empower our lives in witness and service will God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth. This is why Jesus baptizes His followers in the Holy Spirit (see Luke 3:16).
What has Christ done as regards those suffering from Satan’s oppression and influence because of the indwelling of an evil spirit?
Power over Satan and demons: An overview

“No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.” (Mk 3:27)

One of the primary emphases in Mark’s Gospel is Jesus’ overriding concern to defeat Satan and his demonic powers; in 3:27, this is phrased as “bind [ing] the strong man” (i.e., Satan and “spoil [ing] (robbing) his house” (i.e., setting free those who are enslaved to Satan). This power over Satan is especially evident in the driving out of demons (Gk daimonion) or evil spirits.
Demons.

(1) The NT frequently refers to those who are suffering from Satan’s oppression and influence because of the indwelling of an evil spirit, and to Jesus’ conflict with demons. In the Gospel of Mark, for example, numerous such encounters are described: 1:23-28, 32-34, 39; 3:10-12, 14-15; 5:1-20; 6:7, 13; 7:24-30; 9:14-29; 16:17.

(2) Demons are spirit beings who have personality and intelligence. As members of Satan’s kingdom and as enemies of God and humans (Mat 12:43-45), they are evil, malicious and organized with different levels of rank and delegated authority under Satan (see Mat 4:10; Eph 6:11-12).

(3) Demons are the power behind idol gods, so that to worship false gods is essentially to worship demons (see 1 Cor 10:20).
(4) The NT presents the world as estranged from God and seized by Satan (see John 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 6:10-12). Demons are within the hierarchy of the rulers of this age; Christians must wage continual warfare with them (see Eph 6:12).
(5) Demons can, and often do, live in the bodies of unbelievers (see Mark 5:15; Luke 4:41; 8:27-28; Acts 16:18) and use their voices to talk. They enslave such individuals and influence them toward evil, immorality and destruction.
(6) Demons can cause physical illness in the human body (Mat 9:32-33; 12:22; 17:14-18; Mark 9:20-22; Luke 13:11, 16), although not all sickness and disease are the result of evil spirit (Mat 4:24; Luke 5:12-13).
(7) Those involved in spiritism and magic (i.e., sorcery) are dealing with evil spirits, this can easily lead to demonic bondage (cf. Acts 13:8-10; 19:19; Gal 5:20; Rev 9:20).
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